Daniel 6:16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" Matthew Henry Commentary 6:11-17 It is no new thing for what is done faithfully, in conscience toward God, to be misrepresented as done obstinately, and in contempt of the civil powers. Through want of due thought, we often do that which afterwards, like Darius, we see cause a thousand times to wish undone again. Daniel, that venerable man, is brought as the vilest of malefactors, and is thrown into the den of lions, to be devoured, only for worshipping his God. No doubt the placing the stone was ordered by the providence of God, that the miracle of Daniel's deliverance might appear more plain; and the king sealed it with his own signet, probably lest Daniel's enemies should kill him. Let us commit our lives and souls unto God, in well-doing. We cannot place full confidence even in men whom we faithfully serve; but believers may, in all cases, be sure of the Divine favour and consolation.

Daniel in the Lions' Den …15Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, "Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed." 16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions' den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you." 17A stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing would be changed in regard to Daniel.… Daniel In The Den Of Lions - Bible Story Summary Daniel in the Den of Lions - Bible Story Summary God Protected and Delivered Daniel from the Den of Lions Daniel's Answer to the King by Briton Rivière (1890). Public Domain Book of Daniel, chapter 6. Daniel in the Den of Lions - Story Summary: The ancient Middle East was the story of one empire rising, falling, and being replaced by another.

In 605 B.C., the Babylonians conquered Israel, taking many of its promising young men into captivity in Babylon . One of those men was Daniel . When the lions' den event occurred, Daniel was in his 80s. Through a life of hard work and obedience to God , he had risen through the political ranks as an administrator of this pagan kingdom. In fact, Daniel was so honest and hardworking that the other government officials--who were jealous of him--could find nothing to remove him from office. So they tried to use Daniel's faith in God against him. They tricked King Darius into passing a decree that during a 30-day period, anyone who prayed to another god or man besides the king would be thrown into the lions' den. Daniel learned of the decree but did not change his habit. Just as he had done all his life, he went home, knelt down, faced Jerusalem, and prayed to God. The wicked administrators caught him and told the king. King Darius, who loved Daniel, tried to save him, but the decree could not be revoked. At sundown, they threw Daniel into the den of lions . The king could not eat or sleep all night.

At dawn he ran to the lions' den and asked Daniel if his God had protected him. Daniel replied, "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." (Daniel 6:22, NIV ) Scripture says the king was overjoyed. Daniel was brought out, unharmed, "...because he had trusted in his God." (Daniel 6:23, NIV ) King Darius had the men arrested who falsely accused Daniel, and along with their wives and children, they were all thrown into the lions' den, where they were immediately killed by the beasts. Then the king issued another decree, ordering the people to fear and reverence the God of Daniel. Daniel prospered under the reign of Darius and King Cyrus the Persian after him. Points of Interest from Daniel in the Den of Lions: • Daniel is a type of Christ , a godly Bible character who foreshadows the coming Messiah. He is called blameless.

In the lions' den miracle, Daniel's trial resembles that of Jesus before Pontius Pilate , and his escape from certain death is like Jesus' resurrection . • The lions' den also symbolized Daniel's captivity in Babylon , where God protected and sustained him because of his great faith . • Even though Daniel was an old man, he refused to take the easy way out and abandon God. The threat of an agonizing death did not change his trust in God. • Daniel is not mentioned by name in Hebrews 11, the great Faith Hall of Fame , but he is alluded to in verse 33 as a prophet "who shut the mouth of lions." • Daniel was taken into captivity at the same time as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego . Question for Reflection: You might be enduring your own personal "den of lions" right now. The key is not to put your focus on your situation but rather on your all-powerful Protector. Are you putting your faith in God to rescue you?

Daniel 6 NIV - Daniel in the Den of Lions - It pleased - Bible Gateway Daniel 6New International Version (NIV) Daniel in the Den of Lions 6 [ a ]It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” 6 So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever!

7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing. 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.

12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him. 15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” 16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den.

The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. 19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den.

And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. 25 Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: “May you prosper greatly! 26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. 27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus[ b ] the Persian. Footnotes: Bible Stories for Children - Daniel & The Lions' Den ....when you always do what is good and right. I guess it's because it makes THEM look bad. Thats what happened with Daniel.

The King of Babylon, King Belshazzar, died, and Darius the Mede became the new king. King Darius decided to appoint a hundred and twenty supervisors and governors to help rule over his kingdom. And he made Daniel and two others their boss. The other supervisors and governors didnt like it. Daniel worked harder, and did much better work than any of them. The King was so impressed he was going to put Daniel in charge of the whole kingdom. We have to do something about this Daniel, the supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and all the other officials said to themselves. But no matter how hard they looked, they couldnt find anything wrong with Daniel because Daniel was completely faithful and honest in everything he did. Maybe we can use his religion against him, they said. And so they came up with a devious plan. They came before King Darius one day and said, King Darius! May you live forever! (although each one of them was probably really thinking, 'May you die tomorrow - so I can become King!').

All of us who help to rule your kingdom; the supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and all the other officials, think that it would be very wise of you to issue a command that for thirty days no one should be able to ask for anything from any god or man except you, O Great and Mighty King. And if anyone should ask for anything from any god or man besides you, they should be thrown into the lions den. King Darius accepted the idea of the supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and all the other officials, and signed the decree. It became a law of the Medes and Persians that could not be changed. Daniel heard the Kings decree, but still, the next morning he went to his window to pray, just as he did every morning, noon and night. This was exactly what the supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and all the other officials were looking for. They went straight to the king. Your Majesty, may you live forever! they said. Didnt you sign a decree that said for thirty days no one should ask for anything from any god or man except you, O Great and Mighty King.

And if anyone should ask for anything from any god or man besides you, they should be thrown into the lions den? Yes, said the king. It is a law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be changed. Then the supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and all the other officials said, We saw Daniel praying to his God this very morning! He does not respect you or your order. When King Darius heard this news he was very sad. He knew that Daniel was a good and honest man, who served him faithfully. And so he worked into the night, trying to find some way to rescue Daniel. But he couldnt. The supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and all the other officials came back the next morning and demanded, Your Majesty, you know a law of the Medes and Persians can never be changed. Daniel must be thrown into the lions den! Which was just what they wanted all along. And so, the king had no choice but to have Daniel thrown into the lions den.

The King said to Daniel, May the God whom you serve so faithfully save you! And then the kings men grabbed Daniel and threw him into a pit filled with pacing, roaring, hot-breathed lions. They rolled a stone over the mouth of the den, and the King sealed it with his royal seal, so that no one could move the stone and rescue Daniel. That night, the king could not sleep at all. ...just as the sun was beginning to rise, the king ran to the lions den. He shouted out, Daniel! servant of the living God! Was the God you serve so faithfully able to save you from the lions jaws? Daniel...? May your majesty live forever! Daniel called from inside the lions den. God sent his angel to shut the lions mouths all through the night. God has saved me so that you will know that I am innocent, and I have served you faithfully! The king was so happy. Immediately he ordered his servants to pull Daniel from the lions den. There wasnt even a scratch on him. Everyone saw that Daniel had trusted God, and God had saved him.

And then the king sent for all the supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and all the other officials who had accused Daniel. They were in trouble now! Right then and there, the king had them arrested and thrown into lions den themselves. The lions were not so friendly this time. Then King Darius issued a new decree. It said, Greetings, people of all nations, races, and languages! I, King Darius, decree that all people everywhere should honor and fear the God that Daniel serves so faithfully. He is the living God who rules for all time. His kingdom will never end, and his power will last forever. He rescues and he saves. He can do mighty things, for he has saved Daniel from the lions jaws! Once again, Daniel was faithful. And God was able to show us that he is always able to do great and wonderful things. � Paul Dallgas-Frey Daily Bible Study - Daniel In The Lion's Den Questions? Search all 6,500+ Bible studies on this website. Just type in topic word(s) or a question.

Due to extensive use of high-quality maps and illustrations, this educational website is best-viewed with a minimum screen-resolution width of 1280 pixels Daniel In The Lion's Den by Wayne Blank "It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." "Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God." So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: "O King Darius, live forever!

The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den. Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered - in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians [see Ancient Empires - Persia ], which cannot be repealed." So King Darius put the decree in writing." "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem . Three times a day he got down on his knees and Prayed , giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.

So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions' den?" "The king answered, "The decree stands - in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." "Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah [see Why Babylon? ], pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day." When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him." "Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, "Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed." "So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den.

The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" "A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep." "At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" "Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! My God sent His angel [see Your Guardian Angel ], and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." "The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den.

And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God." (Daniel 6:1-23) Daniel 6 NLT - Daniel in the Lions’ Den - Darius the - Bible Gateway Daniel 6New Living Translation (NLT) Daniel in the Lions’ Den 6 [ a ]Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. 2 The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. 3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. 4 Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. 5 So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” 6 So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, “Long live King Darius!

7 We are all in agreement—we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors—that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions. 8 And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” 9 So King Darius signed the law. 10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. 12 So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law.

“Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions?” “Yes,” the king replied, “that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” 13 Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.” 14 Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. 15 In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.” 16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions.

The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night. 19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” 23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.

24 Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. 25 Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! 26 “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.[ b ] Footnotes: Daniel 6: Daniel in the Lions’ Den - Life, Hope & Truth Daniel 6: Daniel in the Lions’ Den by Bill Palmer The famous Bible story of Daniel and the lions’ den is more than a simple account of God’s deliverance.

It also shows that no one is a match for the true God. The king’s obvious anguish was in stark contrast to the barely hidden glee of his trusted officials. Upon the advice of these men, King Darius had rashly issued a decree forbidding anyone from making petitions to “any god or man for thirty days” ( Daniel 6:6-9 ) except him. The penalty for disobedience was to be a horrifying death in a den of ravenous lions! And now Daniel, his most gifted officer, had been charged with flagrantly violating this irrevocable law. Reading through the sixth chapter of Daniel leaves Bible students with a vivid picture of an impetuous king manipulated by advisers to destroy a man of God. As we progress through the story, we first see the envy of the king’s advisers, then the folly of the king, followed by the peril to Daniel and the anguish of the king. Finally, we see God’s deliverance of Daniel and His judgment on Daniel’s adversaries. Most people in the Western world have a passing familiarity with this story, a perennial favorite in collections of Bible stories taught to children.

However, most people don’t fully grasp the meaning of this confrontation between one of God’s beloved servants (Daniel 9:23) and his enemies. Spiritual dilemma The first step in understanding the story is to come to appreciate the historical and cultural context of the conflict. Daniel and many of his fellow Jews were no longer living in the Promised Land, but in Babylon. The Babylonian Empire had crushed all its enemies, including the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco II at Carchemish in 605 B.C. This critical battle opened the door to Babylonian dominance over Judah. Daniel, probably as a teenager, was among the first residents of Jerusalem to be deported to Babylon. Living in the Promised Land had been an essential element of the covenant between the children of Israel and their God. The land itself was more than a home, more than a gift from God. It was a symbol of His power and authority. When Babylon took the Jews into captivity, some of them may well have been in shock that their God had not prevailed. The God who parted the waters of the Red Sea, using those same waters to drown the pride of Egyptian power, had not delivered Jerusalem from Nebuchadnezzar’s armies!

How could that be? Of course, Israel’s and Judah’s prophets had warned that God would withdraw His protection from His people if they continued to ignore His laws. As far back in their history as Moses, the warning had been in front of the nation (Deuteronomy 28). Yet the children of Israel stubbornly persisted in their sins. The people of Judah went into captivity not because God was powerless before the armies of Babylon, but because of their sins. Living in exile The questions of exile are a fundamental part of the book of Daniel, as noted by Gleason Archer (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 1985, Vol. 7, p. 4): “Indeed, it was essential for him [God] to prove by his miraculous acts that he had allowed his people to go into captivity in 587 B.C., not through weakness, but rather to maintain his integrity as a holy God, who carries out his covenant promises both for good and for ill according to the response of his people. So the whole narrative in Daniel relates a series of contests between false gods of human invention and the one true sovereign Lord and Creator of heaven and earth” (emphasis added).

God is holy and righteous, and He will not be mocked ( Galatians 6:7 ). He does not permit ongoing sinfulness to continue forever. Eventually, rebellion against God brings consequences. But even for those Jews who understood, exile brought with it questions. How could they serve God without a temple? How could they be the covenant people while separated from the Promised Land? The book of Daniel reveals the answers through the positive examples of Daniel and his companions, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego . Through a series of trials of their faith, they remained loyal to the true God. We see the first challenge in the first chapter. Daniel and his friends refused to eat and drink anything that would defile them ( Daniel 1:8, 11-12 ). The foods they were initially given to eat may have been unclean or filled with fat, making them unfit for someone who obeys God’s laws (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14; Leviticus 7:23 ). Daniel and his friends prevailed through the favor of God.

Other challenges that followed include the interpretation of dreams (chapters 2 and 4), the golden image and fiery furnace (chapter 3) and the handwriting on the wall (chapter 5). In each case, the servants of God prevailed over kings, idol-worshippers and magicians. And that brings us to chapter 6. (This book’s accounts of men disputing God’s superiority here conclude with Daniel being thrown in the lions’ den. Unlike the narrative accounts in the first half of Daniel, chapters 7 through 12 contain visions and prophecies.) Schemes of the wicked Daniel had already served with distinction in the administrations of the Babylonian kings Nebuchadnezzar (chapters 1-4) and Belshazzar (chapter 5) when the Medo-Persian Empire conquered Babylon. In chapter 6, Daniel now starts serving King Darius, a leader some historians believe had previously served as one of the generals of Cyrus, the Persian emperor. As a viceroy for Cyrus, Darius enlisted the help of Babylonian nobles to govern the conquered territory. Cyrus was renowned for creating an empire that drew on the talents of subjugated people.

Satraps, or governors, ruled over provinces with a great deal of autonomy in this remarkable system. At this point in his life (539 B.C.), Daniel was a prominent elder statesman close to 80 years old. Darius called upon him to be one of three governors over the satraps. Because of Daniel’s skill and integrity, though, Darius decided to promote him to a position above the other governors ( Daniel 6:3 ). It may have been this plan that set in motion the events of chapter 6. Envy was undoubtedly a major motivation for the plot to disgrace or destroy Daniel, but it is just as likely that Daniel’s honesty prevented these men from illicit revenue through bribery, fraud and misappropriation of funds. To Daniel’s credit, his enemies could find no fault that would discredit him. They had observed, however, Daniel’s unswerving dedication to God. They schemed to manipulate circumstances such that Daniel’s dedication would appear to be disloyalty to the king. These governors and counselors then approached Darius ( verse 6 ). Most English-language versions of the Bible fail to convey the dramatic scene in all its energy.

The King James Version and American Standard Version each speak of the group as “assembled together to the king.” The English Standard Version words it “came by agreement to the king.” The New King James Version, however, captures the force of the action, using the words “thronged before the king.” Significantly, this chapter sets up a test of faith based on prayer itself. We must have faith to believe that God hears our prayers and that He answers us (Hebrews 11:1, 6). In Daniel’s case, though, the very act of kneeling before God was a test of his faith. This focus on wording may seem like a small point, but understanding the atmosphere in the royal court helps to explain the king’s rash decision. These men did not merely petition the king as calm government officials. They presented an aura of urgency through emotion, perhaps suggesting the possibility of disloyalty among the newly conquered people of Babylon. What could make more sense than a test of loyalty to the king crafted as a ban on petitions to any other man or god? Daniel’s prayer Significantly, this chapter sets up a test of faith based on prayer itself.

We must have faith to believe that God hears our prayers and that He answers us ( Hebrews 11:1, 6 ). In Daniel’s case, though, the very act of kneeling before God was a test of his faith. Verse 10 of Daniel 6 tells us that, “when Daniel knew that the writing was signed,” he knelt and prayed as he always had. Daniel knew the type of men who shared governmental authority with him. He knew they would be watching. He knew they had set a trap. But Daniel also knew the God he served! This verse also points out another important aspect of Daniel’s prayer—he faced Jerusalem. Praying toward the temple in Jerusalem had long been customary among the people of God ( Psalm 5:7 ), but Daniel may have had more in mind. Although he was a captive in exile in Babylon, he was undoubtedly quite familiar with Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple four centuries earlier. Solomon had anticipated a time when God’s people might be carried away captive, so he specifically asked that God look with mercy on them when they repented, praying toward the temple ( 1 Kings 8:46-53 ).

God later appeared to Solomon, telling him that He had heard his prayer ( 1 Kings 9:3 ). The crucial act of faith in chapter 6, however, is prayer. Daniel prays toward Jerusalem, a city leveled by the Babylonians, and he prays toward a temple that no longer stands. Daniel’s actions clearly show that it was not the Promised Land, nor was it the city of Jerusalem, nor even the existence of a temple of God that was vital to the faith of Israel. His prayer demonstrates that what really matters is wholehearted dedication to God Himself. That is the core of real faith, and a fitting response to enemies who defy the true God and persecute His people! Whose immutable word? One of the most important elements of the story is the law of the Medes and Persians. Three times in the chapter we read that this law, once issued, could not be changed ( verses 8, 12, 15 ). Even the king was powerless to change his own laws. What we read in chapter 6 is different from the preceding five chapters. Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar were Babylonian kings, not Persian.

As such, they were free from such constraints. This provision may seem strange to modern readers, but there were valid and practical reasons for the Medes and Persians to adopt such an attitude toward law. First, the inability to change a law after issuing it would impel the king to be more deliberate in considering legislation before enacting it. Second, the legal framework of society would be more stable. Perhaps the reason that is most relevant to Daniel 6, though, is one that has more to do with manipulation of laws to achieve one’s purpose than stable government. Daniel’s enemies used this established concept of Persian law to entrap Daniel and outmaneuver the king, who was actually fond of Daniel and wanted to save him ( Daniel 6:14-15 ). Even though the king was compelled to have Daniel thrown into the lions’ den, God miraculously spared Daniel’s life. As Daniel told the king the next morning, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me” (verse 22). Daniel’s enemies did not prevail against this servant of God.

We should also note that only the true God has unchangeable laws, purposes and promises: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). To learn more about God’s plan for humanity—a plan that is surely being carried out just as God has promised—see the articles in the section “ Plan of Salvation .” DANIEL CHAPTER 6 KJV + Text Size — 1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; 2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. 6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. 11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. 14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. 16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions.

Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. 17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. 24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den. 25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. 27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Question: In the Bible, which king threw Daniel into the lion's den?
Answer: DARIUS